State Memorandums of Understanding
Colorado is Your Global Partner
Memorandums of Understanding
The Global Business Development (GBD) division supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. GBD regularly hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado.
On February 15, 2022, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the Government of Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create collaborative opportunities regarding bilateral foreign direct investment, bilateral research and development projects, and company exchanges and expansion opportunities. On May 4, 2022, Colorado's Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera and the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two states intended to deepen cultural ties and encourage scientific and technological collaboration that prioritizes climate protection and the sustainable use of resources.
International businesses all over the globe have their eye on Colorado as a foreign direct investment destination and it’s easy to see why. Review more details about the MoU with Finland and the MoU with Lower Austria.
State of Colorado and Government of Finland Form Partnership to Create Collaborative Economic Opportunities
In spring 2022, Governor Polis welcomed Finland’s Ambassador to the U.S., Mikko Hautala, and the Finnish business and research delegation at the Capitol building in Denver. During their three-day visit to Colorado, the Finnish delegation met with local businesses and research institutions, including the University of Colorado, Solid Power, ColdQuanta and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The group visited the headquarters of a leading Finnish weather technology company Vaisala, established in Louisville. CU Boulder’s CUBit Quantum Initiative hosted a roundtable discussion for Coloradan and Finnish technology companies and researchers. The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation hosted a reception for Coloradan and Finnish companies, researchers, and state and local government officials.
“The relationship Colorado has cultivated with Finland will create mutually beneficial opportunities in aerospace, computing technologies, climate resilience and more,” said Patrick Meyers, executive director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
Given the large forest coverage in both Colorado and Finland, climate resilience of communities and mitigation of wildfire risks also are areas of strong common interest. In addition, both regions have deep expertise in cold-weather technologies.
The MoU went into effect February 15, 2022 and will remain in effect for a period of five years and can be renewed per the agreement of both parties. Review the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Finland and the State of Colorado.
“Colorado’s economy is roaring back, creating jobs and creating new partnerships at home and abroad so we are pleased to partner with the Government of Finland, a country that shares our values of innovation, collaboration and creating a better future for generations to come,” said Governor Polis.
Continuing the partnership
Colorado Delegation Visits Helsinki for Slush 2022 Conference
Slush 2022 Helsinki is an early-stage business venture capital investment conference focused on tech and advanced industries sectors from around the world. OEDIT's Global Business Development (GBD) division attended in November 2022, along with Colorado businesses, academics, trade associations, venture capitalists, and governmental representatives focused on the quantum computing industry. The team coordinated the visit in partnership with Business Finland and the Finnish Embassy as part of Colorado's Memorandum of Understanding with the country of Finland.
The MoU specifies development and commercial sectors on sustainable and advanced technologies, including but not limited to:
- Quantum: High Performance Computing and Photonics
- Green Economy: Clean Energy; climate resilience including wildfire prevention, zero emission vehicles, clean transport including zero emission vehicles, infrastructure, and clean building infrastructure and technologies
- Aerospace: sensor and weather technologies, space research, and space weather
Press Releases and news
- State of Colorado & Government of Finland Form Partnership to Create Collaborative Economic Opportunities
- The Denver Gazette: PODIUM | Cybersecurity essential for coming era
- Finland Abroad: Finland and Colorado Kicked Off Green Economy Collaboration
Additional information
Colorado and Finland share a common interest to make headway in the areas of sustainability and advanced technologies. There are already many existing scientific and commercial ties between the regions, and the MoU further supports the growing cooperation. The regions are building a results-oriented partnership that promotes industrial, trade, and policy cooperation.
For additional information visit Finland Abroad, which is a website provided by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and Finland's missions abroad.
On May 4, 2022, Colorado's Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera and the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two states intended to deepen cultural ties and encourage scientific and technological collaboration that prioritizes climate protection and the sustainable use of resources.
The areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU focus on green tech, renewables and climate protection; economic development and business cooperation; digital technology and advanced manufacturing; science and research; sports and recreation; and culture.
The MoU went into effect today and will remain in effect until modified or terminated by either state. To read the MOU in its entirety, please visit the website, (PDF).
Press Releases
More about Global Business Development
The Global Business Development (GBD) division supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We regularly host foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado.
Our services include:
- export services and promotions
- foreign direct investments
- business recruitment, retention, and expansion
- data analytics
- advanced industries accelerator grants
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